[BigCountry]

I recently showed my step son how to shift without a clutch. He was surprised when I shifted his car through the gears up to 6th gear and then back down to 1st. I told him to keep the radio off and listen to the car, learn how it sounds at the different RPMs and to pay attention to the different noises it makes.
Most kids want to get in and crank the radio when they start driving and they don't pay attention to the engine sounds or the squeaks and squeals from the different areas. Then they're surprised when they're told how bad the brakes are grinding or if the engine is knocking.
I remember a time when my clutch wasn't working properly and I drove 350 miles (with tolls) from Maine to CT. I had to stop the car and turn it off at the toll booth, put it in first and turn the key to start again. Good times!
Merry Christmas everyone!